Hibs striker Leigh Griffiths in trouble over racist Twitter outburst

HIBS striker Leigh Griffiths faces disciplinary action after sending an abusive message to one of his Twitter followers.

• Griffiths posted a racist remark during a row with a follower on Twitter

• Hibernian, and his parent club Wolves, have condemned Griffiths’ actions

• Lothian and Borders Police “are carrying out initial inquiries” into the incident

In a tweet posted to almost 13,000 followers just before midnight yesterday, Griffiths said: “@Zak_Iqbal @jordan_cosgrove f**k off back to your own country ya clown”.

The 22-year-old was responding to a tweet from a follower believed to be based in Livingston, West Lothian, which read: “@LeighG29 @jordan_cosgrove thumb boy why do you make fun of other peoples looks when you are the worst out the lot?”

In a statement, Hibernian said: “The player had realised that despite the provocation, the language he used was totally unacceptable and had already apologised for what he said.

“The player supports the club and the whole of Scottish football in its stance against racism, bigotry and anti social behaviour. The player will be subject to a disciplinary process which will be a private matter between the club and the player.”

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “We have been made aware of this matter, and we are carrying out initial enquiries.”

Wolves, from whom Griffiths is on loan, also released a statement. They said: “Wolves are aware of an alleged racist comment made on Twitter last night by Leigh Griffiths.

The Club condemns such comments in the strongest possible terms and are extremely angry and disappointed.

The player is currently on loan at Hibernian FC and is likely to remain there for the rest of the season.

He is, therefore, subject to the disciplinary procedures of Hibernian FC and those of the Scottish Football Association. However, Wolves are in dialogue with Hibernian and are making their feelings known on the matter.”

The post from Griffiths has since been removed from his account. The Hibs player, who is on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, has apologised on Twitter for his comment.

It is not the first time Griffiths has sparked a furore with his use of the social media forum.

In July he jokingly tweeted “hotel like a prison camp... #getmehomeasap”, just 24 hours before the Capital club ended their pre-season tour of Holland, Belgium and Germany with a match against German Second Division outfit Union Berlin.

Today, many fans spoke in support of Griffiths, pointing out that he is forced to endure constant abuse on his Twitter account including personal attacks on his family, and that the remark had been made “in the heat of the moment” and had now been deleted.

One tweeted: “There is a wider point about the abuse folk take on Twitter. No excuse for his comments, though if he’s apologised, move on.”